System architecture for control and signal distribution on coaxial cable

ABSTRACT

A signal distribution and control system where signals are distributed and control signals transmitted via a single coaxial cable. Integrated Receiver/Decoder (IRD) units communicate with a Frequency Translation Module (FTM) for construction of a custom data signal for delivery to all IRDs coupled to a given FTM. The commands sent by the IRDs to control the FTM inform the FTM which signals are of interest and should be placed on the custom data signal, also called the combined IRD channels. Previously installed IRDs that cannot generate the new commands are still supported in the system via legacy ports in the multiswitch.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to the following co-pending andcommonly-assigned applications:

Application Ser. No. 11/097,482, filed on same date herewith, by ThomasH. James and Dipak M. Shah, entitled “BACKWARDS-COMPATIBLE FREQUENCYTRANSLATION MODULE FOR SATELLITE VIDEO DELIVERY,”;

Application Ser. No. 11/097,479, filed on same date herewith, by ThomasH. James and Dipak M. Shah, entitled “TRANSPONDER TUNING AND MAPPING,”;

Application Ser. No. 11/097,724, filed on same date herewith, by ThomasH. James and Dipak M. Shah, entitled “POWER BALANCING SIGNAL COMBINER,”;

Application Ser. No. 11/097,480, filed on same date herewith, by ThomasH. James and Dipak M. Shah, entitled “AUTOMATIC LEVEL CONTROL FORINCOMING SIGNALS OF DIFFERENT SIGNAL STRENGTHS,”;

Application Ser. No. 11/097,481, filed on same date herewith, by ThomasH. James and Dipak M. Shah, entitled “SIGNAL INJECTION VIA POWERSUPPLY,”;

Application Ser. No. 11/097,625, filed on same date herewith, by ThomasH. James and Dipak M. Shah, entitled “NARROW-BANDWIDTH SIGNAL DELIVERYSYSTEM,”; and

Application Ser. No. 11/097,723, filed on same date herewith, by ThomasH. James and Dipak M. Shah, entitled “INTELLIGENT TWO-WAY SIGNALSWITCHING NETWORK,”;

all of which applications are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a satellite receiver system,and in particular, to a system architecture for control and data signaldistribution on coaxial cable.

2. Description of the Related Art

Satellite broadcasting of communications signals has become commonplace.Satellite distribution of commercial signals for use in televisionprogramming currently utilizes multiple feedhorns on a single OutdoorUnit (ODU) which supply signals to up to eight IRDs on separate cablesfrom a multiswitch.

FIG. 1 illustrates a typical satellite television installation of therelated art.

System 100 uses signals sent from Satellite A (SatA) 102, Satellite B(SatB) 104, and Satellite C (SatC) 106 that are directly broadcast to anOutdoor Unit (ODU) 108 that is typically attached to the outside of ahouse 110. ODU 108 receives these signals and sends the received signalsto IRD 112, which decodes the signals and separates the signals intoviewer channels, which are then passed to television 114 for viewing bya user. There can be more than one satellite transmitting from eachorbital location.

Satellite uplink signals 116 are transmitted by one or more uplinkfacilities 118 to the satellites 102-104 that are typically ingeosynchronous orbit. Satellites 102-106 amplify and rebroadcast theuplink signals 116, through transponders located on the satellite, asdownlink signals 120. Depending on the satellite 102-106 antennapattern, the downlink signals 120 are directed towards geographic areasfor reception by the ODU 108.

Each satellite 102-106 broadcasts downlink signals 120 in typicallythirty-two (32) different frequencies, which are licensed to varioususers for broadcasting of programming, which can be audio, video, ordata signals, or any combination. These signals are typically located inthe Ku-band of frequencies, i.e., 11-18 GHz. Future satellites willlikely broadcast in the Ka-band of frequencies, i.e., 18-40 GHz, buttypically 20-30 GHz.

FIG. 2 illustrates a typical ODU of the related art.

ODU 108 typically uses reflector dish 122 and feedhorn assembly 124 toreceive and direct downlink signals 120 onto feedhorn assembly 124.Reflector dish 122 and feedhorn assembly 124 are typically mounted onbracket 126 and attached to a structure for stable mounting. Feedhornassembly 124 typically comprises one or more Low Noise Block converters128, which are connected via wires or coaxial cables to a multiswitch,which can be located within feedhorn assembly 124, elsewhere on the ODU108, or within house 110. LNBs typically downconvert the FSS-band,Ku-band, and Ka-band downlink signals 120 into frequencies that areeasily transmitted by wire or cable, which are typically in the L-bandof frequencies, which typically ranges from 950 MHz to 2150 MHz. Thisdownconversion makes it possible to distribute the signals within a homeusing standard coaxial cables.

The multiswitch enables system 100 to selectively switch the signalsfrom SatA 102, SatB 104, and SatC 106, and deliver these signals viacables 124 to each of the IRDs 112A-D located within house 110.Typically, the multiswitch is a five-input, four-output (5×4)multiswitch, where two inputs to the multiswitch are from SatA 102, twoinputs to the multiswitch are from SatB 104, and one input to themultiswitch is from SatC 106. The multiswitch can be other sizes, suchas a 6×8 multiswitch, if desired. SatC 106 typically delivers localprogramming to specified geographic areas.

To maximize the available bandwidth in the Ku-band of downlink signals120, each broadcast frequency is further divided into polarizations.Each LNB 128 can only receive one polarization at time, so by aligningpolarizations between the downlink polarization and the LNB 128polarization, downlink signals 120 can be selectively filtered out fromtravelling through the system 100 to each IRD 112A-D.

IRDs 12A-D currently use a one-way communications system to control themultiswitch. Each IRD 112A-D has a dedicated cable 124 connecteddirectly to the multiswitch, and each IRD independently places a voltageand signal combination on the dedicated cable to program themultiswitch. For example, IRD 112A may wish to view a signal that isprovided by SatA 102. To receive that signal, IRD 112A sends avoltage/tone signal on the dedicated cable back to the multiswitch, andthe multiswitch delivers the SatA 102 signal to IRD 112A on dedicatedcable 124. IRD 112B independently controls the output port that IRD 112Bis coupled to, and thus may deliver a different voltage/tone signal tothe multiswitch. The voltage/tone signal typically comprises a 13 VoltsDC (VDC) or 18 VDC signal, with or without a 22 kHz tone superimposed onthe DC signal. 13 VDC without the 22 kHz tone would select one port, 13VDC with the 22 kHz tone would select another port of the multiswitch,etc. There can also be a modulated tone, typically a 22 kHz tone, wherethe modulation schema can select one of any number of inputs based onthe modulation scheme.

To reduce the cost of the ODU 108, outputs of the LNBs 128 present inthe ODU 108 can be combined, or “stacked,” depending on the ODU 108design. The stacking of the LNB 128 outputs occurs after the LNB hasreceived and downconverted the input signal. This allows for multiplepolarizations, one from each satellite 102-106, to pass through each LNB128. So one LNB 128 can, for example, receive the Left Hand CircularPolarization (LHCP) signals from SatC 102 and SatB 104, while anotherLNB receives the Right Hand Circular Polarization (RHCP) signals fromSatB 104, which allows for fewer wires or cables between the LNBs 128and the multiswitch.

The Ka-band of downlink signals 120 will be further divided into twobands, an upper band of frequencies called the “A” band and a lower bandof frequencies called the “B” band. Once satellites are deployed withinsystem 100 to broadcast these frequencies, each LNB 128 can deliver thesignals from the Ku-band, the A band Ka-band, and the B band Ka-bandsignals for a given polarization to the multiswitch. However, currentIRD 112 and system 100 designs cannot tune across this entire frequencyband, which limits the usefulness of this stacking feature.

By stacking the LNB 128 inputs as described above, each LNB 128 delivers48 transponders of information to the multiswitch. The multiswitchallows each output of the multiswitch to receive every LNB 128 signal(which is an input to the multiswitch) without filtering or modifyingthat information, which allows for each IRD 112 to receive more data.However, as mentioned above, current IRDs 112 cannot use the informationin some of the proposed frequencies used for downlink signals 120, thusrendering useless the information transmitted in those downlink signals120.

In addition, all inputs to the multiswitch are utilized by the currentsatellite 102-106 configuration, which prevents upgrades to the system100 for additional satellite downlink signals 120 to be processed by theIRD 112. Further, adding another IRD 112 to a house 110 requires acabling run back to the ODU 108. Such limitations on the related artmake it difficult and expensive to add new features, such as additionalchannels, high-definition programming, additional satellite deliverysystems, etc., or to add new IRD 112 units to a given house 110.

Even if additional multiswitches are added, the related art does nottake into account cabling that may already be present within house 110,or the cost of installation of such multiswitches given the number ofODU 108 and IRD 112 units that have already been installed. Althoughmany houses 110 have coaxial cable routed through the walls, or inattics and crawl spaces, for delivery of audio and video signals tovarious rooms of house 110, such cabling is not used by system 100 inthe current installation process.

It can be seen, then, that there is a need in the art for a satellitebroadcast system that can be expanded. It can also be seen that there isa need in the art for a satellite broadcast system that utilizespre-existing household cabling to minimize cost and increase flexibilityin arrangement of the system components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize otherlimitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding thepresent specification, the present invention discloses a method andapparatus for a single wire distribution system for delivering satellitesignals to multiple receivers.

A system in accordance with the present invention comprises amultiswitch where each input of the multiswitch receives a satellitesignal, a plurality of tuners, each tuner coupled to a frequencytranslation module output of the multiswitch, wherein each tuner acceptsthe satellite signal and tunes to a specific frequency band of thesatellite signal to deliver a selected transponder signal, each tunerreceiving commands based on tuner commands from at least one IntegratedReceiver Decoder (IRD), a plurality of demodulators, coupled to theplurality of tuners in a respective fashion, for demodulating theselected transponder signal into a plurality of demodulated signals,each demodulated signal comprising a plurality of packets, and aninterface for delivering the demodulated signals to the at least oneIRD, wherein at least the demodulated signals and the tuner commands arecarried on a single connection between the at least one IRD and theinterface.

Other parts of the system include a plurality of mappers, coupled to theplurality of demodulators in a respective fashion, each for mapping thepackets into a remapped signal, and wherein the interface is a combinerfor combining the remapped signals into a combined signal for deliveryto the at least one IRD, the multiswitch further comprising at least onelegacy output, each legacy output being respectively selectivelycontrolled by a legacy IRD, the interface being a network interface, asmart splitter, coupled between the at least one IRD and the interface,and the smart splitter comprising a microprocessor for controlling theflow of commands from the at least one IRD and the interface.

The system may also include a four-way smart splitter, or a dedicatedtuner that is controlled by a service provider.

The combined signal can also comprise at least one private channel, eachprivate channel being dedicated between a corresponding IRD and theinterface, such that each IRD sends commands to the interface to controlcontent of the private channel corresponding to that IRD.

Other features and advantages are inherent in the system and methodclaimed and disclosed or will become apparent to those skilled in theart from the following detailed description and its accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers representcorresponding parts throughout:

FIG. 1 illustrates a typical satellite television installation of therelated art;

FIG. 2 illustrates a typical ODU of the related art;

FIG. 3 illustrates a system diagram of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a detailed block diagram of the frequency translation moduleof the present invention;

FIG. 4A illustrates a digital FTM solution in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a typical home installation of the related art;

FIG. 6 illustrates the general communication schema used within thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a typical remapped signal in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 8A illustrates an alternative block diagram of the frequencytranslation module of the present invention;

FIG. 8B illustrates a Shift Keyed Controller of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of a power injector in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the power injector in accordance with thepresent invention; and

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate signal splitters in accordance with thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings which form a part hereof, and which show, by way ofillustration, several embodiments of the present invention. It isunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changesmay be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Overview Currently, there are three orbital slots, each comprising oneor more satellites, delivering direct-broadcast television programmingsignals. However, ground systems that currently receive these signalscannot accommodate additional satellite signals, and cannot process theadditional signals that will be used to transmit high-definitiontelevision (HDTV) signals. The HDTV signals can be broadcast from theexisting satellite constellation, or broadcast from the additionalsatellite(s) that will be placed in geosynchronous orbit. The orbitallocations of the satellites are fixed by regulation as being separatedby nine degrees, so, for example, there is a satellite at 101 degreesWest Longitude (WL), SatA 102; another satellite at 110 degrees WL, SatC106; and another satellite at 119 degrees WL, SatB 104. The satellitesare typically referred to by their orbital location, e.g., SatA 102, thesatellite at 101 WL, is typically referred to as “101.” Additionalorbital slots, with one or more satellites per slot, are presentlycontemplated.

The present invention allows currently installed systems to continuereceiving currently broadcast satellite signals, as well as allowing forexpansion of additional signal reception and usage. Further, the presentinvention allows for the use of pre-existing cabling within a given homesuch that the signal distribution within a home can be done withoutlarge new cable runs from the external antenna to individual set-topboxes.

System Diagram

FIG. 3 illustrates a system diagram of the present invention.

In the present invention, ODU 108 is coupled to Frequency TranslationModule (FTM) 300. FTM 300 is coupled to power injector 302. FTM 300 isable to directly support currently installed IRD 112 directly as shownvia cable 124, as described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2.

The present invention is also able to support new IRDs 308, via anetwork of signal splitters 304 and 306, and power injector 302. NewIRDs 308 are able to perform two-way communication with FTM 300, whichassists IRDs 308 in the delivery of custom signals on private IRDselected channels via a single cable 310. Each of the splitters 304 and306 can, in some installations, have intelligence in allowing messagesto be sent from each IRD 308 to FTM 300, and back from FTM 300 to IRDs308, where the intelligent or smart signal splitters 304 and 306 controlaccess to the FTM 300.

The two-way communication between IRDs 308 and FTM 300 can take placevia cable 310, or via other wiring, such as power distribution lines orphone lines that are present within house 110.

It is envisioned that one or more possible communications schema cantake place between IRD 308 and FTM 300 such that existing wiring in ahouse 110 can be used to deliver satellite signals and control signalsbetween IRD 308 and FTM 300. Such schema include, but are not limitedto, a digital FTM solution, a remultiplexed (remux) FTM solution, ananalog FTM solution, and a hybrid FTM solution. These solutions, andother possible solutions, are discussed hereinbelow.

Remux FTM

FIG. 4 is a detailed block diagram of the frequency translation moduleof the present invention.

FTM 300 shows multiple LNBs 128 coupled to multiswitch 400. Multiswitch400 supports current IRDs 112 via cable 124. Multiple cables 124 areshown to illustrate that more than one current IRD 112 can be supported.The number of current IRDs 112 that can be supported by FTM 300 can bemore than two if desired without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

Multiswitch 400 has several outputs coupled to individual tuners 402.Each tuner 402 can access any of the LNB 128 signals depending on thecontrol signals sent to each tuner 402. The output of each tuner 402 isa selected transponder signal that is present in one of the downlinksignals 120. The method of selection of the transponder will bediscussed in more detail below.

After tuning to a specific transponder signal on each tuner 402, eachsignal is then demodulated by individual demodulators 404, and thendemultiplexed by demultiplexers 406.

The outputs of each of the demultiplexers 406 is a specific packet ofinformation present on a given transponder for a given satellite102-106. These packets may have similar nomenclature or identificationnumbers associated with them, and, as such, to prevent the IRDs 308 frommisinterpreting which packet of information to view, each packet ofinformation is given a new identification code. This process is calledre-mapping, and is performed by the SCID remappers 408. The outputs ofeach of the SCID remappers 408 are uniquely named packets of informationthat have been stripped from various transponders on various satellites102-106.

These remapped signals are then multiplexed together by mux 410, andremodulated via modulator 412. An amplifier 414 then amplifies thismodulated signal and sends it out via cable 310.

The signal present on cable 310 is generated by requests from theindividual IRDs 308 and controlled by controller 416. Controller 416receives the requests from IRDs 308 and controls tuners 402 in such afashion to deliver only the selected transponder data (in an Analog FTMschema) or individualized packets of interest within a given transponderto all of the IRDs 308 in a given house 110.

In the related art, each of the cables 124 delivers sixteen (16)transponders, all at one polarization, from a satellite selected by IRD112. Each IRD 112 is free to select any polarization and any satellitecoupled to multiswitch 400. However, with the addition of new satellitesand additional signals, the control of the multiswitch 400 by currentIRDs 112, along with limitations on the tuner bandwidth available withinthe IRDs 112, provide difficult obstacles for distribution of signalswithin the current system 100. However, with tuners 402 located outsideof individual IRDs 308, where the IRDs 308 can control the tuner 402 viacontroller 416, the system of the present invention can provide asmaller subset of the available downlink signal 120 bandwidth to theinput of the IRD 308, making it easier for the IRD 308 to tune to agiven viewer channel of interest. In essence, it adds additional stagesof downlink signal 120 selection upstream of the IRD 308, which providesadditional flexibility and dynamic customization of the signal that isactually delivered to individual IRDs 308.

Further, once the additional satellites are positioned to deliverKa-band downlink signals 120, the FTM 300 can tune to these signalsusing tuners 402, and remodulate the specific transponder signals ofinterest within the Ka-band downlink signals 120 to individual IRDs 308on cable 310. In this manner, the tuners present within each IRD 308 arenot required to tune over a large frequency range, and even though alarger frequency range is being transmitted via downlink signals 120,the IRDs 308 can accept these signals via the frequency translationperformed by FTM 300.

As shown in FIG. 4, chain 418, which comprises a tuner 402, demodulator404, demultiplexer 406, and SCID remapper 408, is dedicated to aspecific IRD 308. As a given IRD 308 sends requests back to FTM 300,each chain 418 is tuned to a different downlink signal 120, or to adifferent signal within a downlink signal 120, to provide the given IRD308 the channel of interest for that IRD 308 on the private channel.

Although chain 418 is shown with tuner 402, demodulator 404,demultiplexer 406, and SCID remapper 408, other combinations offunctions or circuits can be used within the chain 418 to producesimilar results without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

Digital FTM

FIG. 4A illustrates a digital FTM solution in accordance with thepresent invention.

Rather than remap the signals onto an RF signal, the digital FTMsolution uses a network interface 420 which can use standard networkprotocols to communicate between the FTM 300 and the IRD 308, much likethe interface between two computers in a network. Since the tuner 402,demodulator 404, and demultiplexer 406 have separated out the majorityof the unnecessary signals from the downlink signal 120, the signalsfrom each chain 422 can be placed sequentially or in an encoded fashionthrough network interface 420, and transmitted to each of the IRDs 308coupled to FTM 300. Controller 416 acts as a local processor to controlthe network traffic. Operation of the system is similar to that of thesystem described in FIG. 4, however, each IRD 308 in a digital FTMsolution as shown in FIG. 4A no longer requires a tuner. The networkinterface 420 is substantially repeated in each IRD 308, and the digitalinformation is transcribed into video format much like videotranscription on computer networks.

Installation Related Issues

FIG. 5 illustrates a typical home installation of the related art.

ODU 108 has cables 500 that couple LNBs 108 to multiswitch 502.Multiswitch 502 is used to distribute the satellite downlink signals 120received at ODU 108 throughout house 110. Multiswitch 502 allows eachIRD 112, or Personal Video Recorder (PVR) 504, access to the satellitedownlink signals 120 via cables 124. Each tuner present in the systemmust have a dedicated cable 124 that runs from the IRD 112 or PVR 504all the way to multiswitch 502. Other configurations can be envisioned,such as an IRD 112 with multiple inputs, PVRs 504 with more than twotuners, network tuner applications, etc., without departing from thescope of the present invention.

Standard configurations of multiswitches 502 accommodate the number ofIRDs 112 and PVRs 504 present within a given installation or house 110.These can be, for example, a 4×8 multiswitch, where four inputs from ODU108 are distributed into eight outputs, where each output can deliversignals to the IRDs 112 and PVRs 504. Although all multiswitches 502have internal elements requiring power, the power can be drawn from theIRDs 112, or from an external source.

The multiswitch 502, in current installations, is non-discriminatory; itprovides all of the data present within a given polarization of adownlink signal 120 to the tuners within the IRDs 112 and PVRs 504. Thisis sixteen times the amount of bandwidth necessary to drive theindividual tuners within the IRDs 112 and PVRs 504.

The necessity of one cable 124 per tuner in IRDs 112 and PVRs 504 isdriven by the commands used to control the multiswitch 502, and thebandwidth on cables 124 is completely populated in the current system.Such a necessity of one cable 124 per tuner makes installation of suchsystems costly; each installation requires new cables 124 dependent uponthe number of IRDs 112 and PVRs 504 resident in the home. Further, oncea PVR 504 is installed in a given room, it cannot be moved to a newlocation without installing a second cable 124 to the new location.

Two-Way Communication Schema

FIG. 6 illustrates the general communication schema used within thepresent invention.

Unlike the one-way communication of voltage and tone used in the relatedart, the present invention sends communications in two directionsbetween IRD 308 and FTM 300. After installation, IRD 308 sends a privateIRD channel request 600 to the FTM 300. This request can be sent whenthe IRD 308 is powered on, or at any time the IRD 308 is on and needs anew private channel. Such occurrences may take place after a periodictime, or during troubleshooting of the system, or at other desiredtimes.

Once the request 600 is received by the FTM 300, FTM 300 assigns an IRDprivate channel to the IRD 308, and dedicates one of the chains 418 or422 including tuner 402, etc. to a specific IRD 308. The channelinformation and decoding schema for the IRD private channel for each IRD308 is sent back as acknowledgement 602 from FTM 300 to IRD 308.

As the IRD 308 needs data, e.g., viewer channel requests are made, etc.,the specific data request 604 is sent from IRD 308 to FTM 300. FTM 300then determines which downlink signal 120 has the requested data, usesthe tuner 402 to tune to the downlink signal 120 of interest,demodulates and demultiplexes the downlink signal 120 of interest, andfinds the data packet requested. This data is then given a specificidentification tag that the IRD 308 was given during acknowledgement602. The data is then placed on the output of FTM 300, and IRD 308 issent a data request acknowledgement 606 from FTM 300. Specific protocolsare discussed hereinbelow, but the present invention is not limited toany specific protocol.

Further, as additional IRDs 308 are coupled to FTM 300, as shown in FIG.3, FTM 300 performs the same logical operations as described withrespect to FIG. 6 for each IRD 308. As such, each IRD 308 uses tuners402 in FTM 300 to tune to specific data channels, and receives the datain the form of identified data packets on the cable 310.

As such, since the FTM 300 assigns private channels to each requestingIRD 308 or PVR 504, the tuners present in each IRD 308 or PVR 504 areable to receive the programming data on a single wire, and each tunerwithin the IRD 308 or PVR 504 can look for the private channelinformation present on the IRD selected channel signal. This eliminatesthe requirement of running multiple wires or cables from a PVR 504 tothe multiswitch 502 as described in the prior art. The FTM 300 iscapable of manipulating the incoming downlink signals 120, whereas themultiswitch 502 of the related art, standing alone, is not. This extralayer of signal discrimination and selection enables the IRD 308 and PVR504 to receive all of the requested signals on a single wire, with eachIRD 308 and PVR 504 being able to view the signals of interest to agiven IRD 308 and PVR 504.

FIG. 7 illustrates a typical remapped signal in accordance with thepresent invention.

In an installation, multiple IRDs 308 or PVRs 504 request specificinformation, e.g., each IRD 308 or PVR 504 requests specific viewerchannels for recording or viewing. In a digital FTM 300 installation,packets of information can be filtered out as described above.

For example, and not by way of limitation, in a given house 110 thereare two IRDs 308 and a PVR 504, which request four different viewerchannels or packets of information. These requests are sent from eachIRD 308 and PVR 504 to the FTM 300, which determines where those viewerchannels are located on the downlink signals 120.

Once the FTM 300 determines where the requested information is located,the FTM 300 assigns one of the tuners 402 to tune to the transponderwhere the first requested information is located, a second tuner 402 totune to the second transponder where the second requested information islocated, etc. As shown by example in FIG. 7, one of the tuners 402 isassigned to tune to transponder 1, a second tuner 402 is assigned totune to transponder 2, a third tuner 402 is assigned to tune totransponder 3, and a fourth tuner 402 is assigned to tune to transponder16. The transponders can be from the same satellite downlink signal 120,or from different satellite downlink signals 120, since each tuner canrequest any satellite downlink signal 120 by proper application ofvoltage, tone, or modulated tone to the multiswitch as described herein.

After tuning, since the FTM 300 knows which packet within eachtransponder data stream is desired, the FTM 300 programs the demodulator404 and demultiplexer 406 associated with each tuner to extract thedesired packet information from the transponder data stream. So,continuing with the example of FIG. 7, FTM 300 programs the first tuner402 to tune to transponder 1 at 950 MHz, which will output transponder 1signal 700. The FTM 300 programs demodulator 404 and demultiplexer 406to look for information in packet 1 (also called SCID 1) 702 of signal700, which will be the output of the demultiplexer 406. Similarly, othertuners 402 are tuning to transponders 2, 3, and 16, to generate signals704, 706, and 708, respectively.

Within signal 704, SCID 2 710 information has been requested by one ofthe IRDs 308 or PVRs 504, and FTM 300 programs the appropriatedemodulator 404 and demultiplexer 406 to deliver that information.Similarly, other demodulators 404 and demultiplexers 406 are programmedto deliver SCID 1 712 from signal 706 and SCID 2 714 from signal 708.

The SCID 702 and 710-714 information is then remultiplexed or otherwisecombined onto a single signal 716, which is distributed via cable 310 toall IRDs 308 and PVRs 504. However, as shown in the example of FIG. 7,there may be SCID information that has similar nomenclature, e.g., SCID1 702 and SCID 1 712 both have a “1” as the packet number. Before theSCID 1 702 and SCID 1 712 information is placed into signal 716, arenumbering or remapping of the information must take place, so that theindividual IRDs 308 or PVRs 504 can determine which packet ofinformation to tune to on signal 716. As shown, SCID 1 702 is renumberedor remapped as SCID 11 718, SCID 2 710 is renumbered or remapped as SCID720, SCID 1 712 is renumbered or remapped as SCID 31 722, and SCID 2 714is renumbered or remapped as SCID 42 724. Many other methods ofremapping or renumbering are possible given the present invention, andthe present invention is not limited to the remapping schema shown inFIG. 7.

Once each SCID 718-724 has a unique SCID number associated with it onsignal 716, each of the IRDs 308 or PVRs 504 knows where to look for theviewer channel information that is of interest for any given IRD 308 orPVR 504. So, for example, the first IRD 308 that requested informationfrom FTM 300 is assigned to the first tuner 402, and also is assignedprivate channel 1, so that any SCID information on signal 716 will havea SCID identifier of “1x,” shown as SCID 11 718. Similarly, the secondIRD 308 or PVR 504 that requests information is assigned to the secondtuner 402, and is assigned private channel 2, etc. As such, each IRD 308tuner is tuned to the same frequency, and is using different SCID mapsto demodulate the signal 716. An alternative is to have differentfrequencies for the signal 716, such that each IRD 308 tuner can tune todifferent frequencies and/or different SCID maps to find the signalassigned to that specific IRD 308 private channel. Any combination offrequency or remapping or other differentiation can be used to assignprivate channels to the various IRD 308 and PVR 504 connected to FTM 300without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Optionally, if two IRDs 308 or PVRs 504 are requesting the same SCIDinformation, i.e., the same packet of information from the sametransponder from a given satellite, the FTM 300 can recognize that twoidentical information requests have been made and can temporarilyreassign one of the IRDs 308 or PVRs 504 to view the already remappedinformation. Continuing with the example of FIG. 7, after the signal 716is assembled, one of the IRDs 308 may want to switch viewer channelsfrom the information present in SCID 31 722 to the information presentin SCID 11 718. Rather than place SCID 1 702 information into multipleplaces (SCID 31 722 and SCID 11 718, for this example) in the signal716, the FTM can re-assign the channel identifier to the IRD that waslooking at SCID 31 722 to allow access to the information in SCID 11718.

In addition, there can be a tuner 402 within the FTM 300 that cannot beuser controlled, e.g., by commanding the tuners by viewer channelrequest through the IRDs 308 and PVRs 504. Such a tuner 402 is commonlyreferred to as a “network tuner.” A network tuner 402 is not meant to beunder user control, but instead, is designed to be under serviceprovider control. A network tuner 402 would be available to all IRDs 308and PVRs 504 regardless of the private channel allocations made by FTM300. So for example, and not by way of limitation, where remappedsignals have a “1x” or “2x” designation, the network tuner may have a“0x” designation, so any SCID 0x packets in the signal 716 can be viewedby any IRD 308 or PVR 504 connected to cable 310 and receiving signal716. A network tuner 402 typically provides emergency audio/videoinformation, or is otherwise a dedicated chain of tuner 402, etc. thatthe service provider can use to provide information other than viewerchannels to each IRD 308 and PVR 504. Further, a network tuner 402 canbe defined as an entire chain 418 or 422, and can be present in eitherthe FTM 300 or in the IRD 308 or PVR 504 without departing from thescope of the present invention.

Analog FTM

FIG. 8A illustrates an alternative block diagram of the frequencytranslation module of the present invention.

System 800 shows multiple LNBs 128 coupled to FTM 300. Within FTM 300 isan automatic level controller 801 and multiswitch 802, which accepts theinputs from the LNBs 128 and can deliver any one of the LNB 128 signalsto any output of the multiswitch 802 as described earlier.

Automatic Level Control

The automatic level controller 801 provides attenuation for high leveldownlink signals 120 or LNB 128 outputs, which allows for balancedsignal levels being input to the multiswitch 802. The automatic levelcontroller 801 reduces crosstalk within the multiswitch 802, because thedynamic range of the multiswitch 802 is limited. By reducing the dynamicrange of the signals entering the multiswitch 802, the crosstalk andother interactions within the multiswitch are reduced.

Alternatively, the automatic level controller 801 can amplify weakersignals, but such an approach usually adds noise to the system 800. Theautomatic level controller can be used in either the analog FTM system800, or in a hybrid or digital FTM system as shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A.

Signal Throughput

Coupled to the outputs of the multiswitch 802 are mixers 804A through804I and corresponding Voltage Controlled Oscillators (VCOs) 806Athrough 806I. Each mixer 804 and VCO 806 pair act as a tuner which tunesto a specific transponder of a given downlink signal 120. The outputs ofthe mixers 804A-804I are individual transponder data streams 808A-808I,such as those shown as signals 700, 704, 706, and 708 in FIG. 7.

The voltages used to control VCOs 806A-806I are supplied by controller810, which is used to map the viewer channel requests sent by IRDs 308and PVRs 504 into transponder locations for the data associated witheach viewer channel request. So, for example, and not by way oflimitation, if IRD 308 requests the assigned channel number thatbroadcasts Fox News Channel, this request is translated by FTM 300, byway of a programmable look-up table or other methods, into the satellite102-106 that is broadcasting Fox News Channel and the transponder on thesatellite 102-106 that is broadcasting Fox News Channel. Other methodscan be used, such as a protocol that includes extended tuning commands,which would avoid a lookup table, or a pick and place system which wouldplace a specific channel into the private channel. The present inventionis not limited by the methodology used to control the selection ofinformation placed into the private channel.

If, for example, SatA 102 is broadcasting Fox News Channel ontransponder 4, SCID 2, the request from IRD 308 is translated by FTM 300to provide SatA 102 downlink signal 120 to the mixer 804A that has beenassigned to IRD 308, and a voltage is provided to VCO 806A to tune totransponder 4 of the SatA 102 downlink signal 120. Thus, all oftransponder 4 data, which includes other viewer channels that have notbeen requested by IRD 308, will be output from mixer 804A. Other viewerchannel requests are handled in a similar manner by the other tuners804B-I and VCOs 806B-I as controlled by controller 810. Further, viewerchannel requests could be made by single viewer channels, and mappedinto the FTM 300, or a port selection using an auto-discovery mode, withsome raw commands, could be passed through to the FTM 300, where thecontroller 416 is sued to decipher the commands and information. Thepresent invention is not limited by the methodology used to determinethe contents of the private channel.

Each of the selected transponder signals 808A-I are then combined into asingle data stream 812 by combiner 814. Controller 810, in a similarfashion to that described in the digital FTM 300 schema, has assigned atuning frequency to each of the IRDs 308 and PVRs 504, so that each IRD308 and PVR 504 know where in data stream 812 their signal of interestis. This can be done by telling IRD 308 that is assigned to mixer 804Athat the signal 808A will be centered on a specific frequency in thesignal 812, so that IRD 308 will center their tuning band at thatspecific frequency. Other methods can be used without departing from thescope of the present invention.

Automatic Gain Control

The Automatic Gain Control (AGC) portion is used after the mixer 804Aand before combiner 814. Each transponder on the satellites can have anAGC to boost the signal for a specific IRD 308. Each IRD 308 typicallyis located at a different distance from the FTM 300, and, as such, cablelosses between the IRD 308 and FTM 300 will differ. As such, the FTM cancontrol the gain of individual portions of the private channel signal toallow the portion of the private channel signal to be easily received ateach IRD 308 in the system.

Once combined, the signal 812 is translated into a frequency that can beunderstood by the IRDs 308 and PVRs 504 by modulator 816. Depending onthe output of combiner 814, the modulator 816 may not be necessary. TheIRDs 308 and PVRs 504 are connected to the FTM 300 via a single cable310 as shown, with power injector 302 inserted between the FTM 300 andIRDs 304 to assist with the communication between FTM 300 and IRDs 308.Further, splitters 304 are inserted as necessary to provide the signalto all IRDs 308 and PVRs 504 within a given installation.

Shift Keyed Control

FIG. 8B illustrates a Shift Keyed Controller of the present invention.

FIG. 8B illustrates the Shift Keyed Control (RF modem) 818 portion ofIRD 308. The output 820 of IRD 308 is shown, along with oscillator 822,crystal 823, microcontroller 824, transmit amplifier 826, receiveamplifier 828, receive demodulator 830, and network interface 832.

Microcontroller 824 provides IRD 308 with an RF interface control whichcan be used to control the FTM 300 using commands which travel betweenFTM 300 and IRD 308. This can be done using a Frequency Shift Keyed(FSK) schema as shown herein, but other command schema, such asAmplitude Shift Keyed (ASK) or Phase Shift Keyed (PSK) schema can beutilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Interfaces

Typically, the RF modem 818 is implemented within the IRD 308, but theRF modem 818 can be a stand-alone device if necessary to retrofit legacyIRDs 112. The output 820 is coupled to specific transmit and receivesections of the shift keyed control as described herein to allow forshift key control of the RF signals travelling between IRD 308 and FTM300.

The microcontroller 824 uses signals and interrupts to notify variousportions of the RF modem 818 and the remainder of the IRD 308, as wellas the FTM 300, that the IRD 308 wants to send commands to the FTM 300and/or has received commands from the FTM 300. Although these signalsare typically SCL and SDA signals, and an interrupt signal from themicrocontroller 824 to other microcontrollers within the system 100,other signals and interrupts can be used without departing from thescope of the present invention.

The RF modem 818 section typically operates at a center frequency f_(o)of 2.295 MHz, and uses a modulation schema of 2-FSK. The deviation fromthe center frequency Δf is typically 40 kHz, where a “0” bit is definedas f_(o)−Δf and a “I” bit is defined as f_(o)+Δf. Other definitions andfrequency plans are possible within the scope of the present invention.

Transmit Mode

In transmit (TX) mode, the RF modem 818 translates the digital signalsfrom the microcontroller 824 into RF signals. The signals are typicallymodulated or demodulated using a 2-FSK schema on an RF carrier.

Crystal 823 sets a reference frequency which is supplied to oscillator822. The modulation voltage is also fed into oscillator 822 frommicrocontroller 824 via signal 834.

The output of oscillator 822 is selectively passed through filter 836,based on inputs from microcontroller 824, to block or pass the modulatedsignal output from oscillator 822. This signal is then amplified by TXamplifier 828 and output from the RF modem 818 on output 820.

Receive Mode

In receive (RX) mode, the RF modem 818 translates the RF signals intodigital signals for the microcontroller 824. Signals enter throughoutput 820 and are amplified by RX amplifier 826. The amplified signalis bandpass filtered with filter 838 and amplified again. This twiceamplified and filtered signal is then sent to demodulator 830. Theoutput from demodulator 830 is clamped by transistor 840, and thecommand is sent to microcontroller 824 for further processing.

System Control Signal Paths

FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of the signal paths from the FTM tothe IRD in accordance with the present invention.

FTM 300 is shown as having an interface 900 which is coupled to powerinjector 302 at interface 904. In turn, power injector 302 has aninterface 906 coupled to splitter 306 at interface 908. The otherinterfaces of splitter 306 are coupled to other splitters 304, which inturn are coupled to IRDs 308. Each IRD 308 shown in FIG. 9 can be a PVR504 if desired.

The cable 310 contains the Radio Frequency (RF) signals that have beenprocessed by the FTM 300 as described with respect to FIGS. 3 and 8.These signals are then promulgated to the various IRDs 308 and PVRs 504present in the system. Further, other interfaces 910 provide legacy IRDs108 access to the LNB inputs 912.

To simplify the connections required between IRDs 308 and FTM 300, thesame coaxial cable 310 that is used to promulgate the IRD requestedsignal 812 (or 416 from the Digital FTM 300 in FIG. 4) also carries theIRD 308 generated requests for viewer channel information back to theFTM 300. Alternatively, since IRD 308 and power injector 302 are bothconnected to house power lines at 110V, 60 Hz, power lines can be usedto promulgate the commands between IRD 308 and power injector 302.

Since the voltages and lower frequency commands are promulgated betweenFTM 300 and IRD 308, and these commands must be sent individually toeach IRD 308, the splitters 304 and 306, as well as the power injector302, must be able to control the command path independent of the RFsignal path, so that each IRD 308 continuously receives the IRDrequested signal 812 or 416, but has selective communication with FTM300. The selective communication path is discussed with respect to thepower injector 302 and splitters 304 and 306 below.

Power Injector

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the power injector in accordance with thepresent invention.

Power injector 302 is coupled to FTM 300 by cable 302 and to IRD 308 bycable 1000. Additional portions of the connection to IRD 308 aredescribed in FIGS. 11 and 12. Power injector 302 comprises a path thatallows FTM 300 information to flow to IRDs 308, e.g., satellite downlinksignals 120. Further, power injector 302 comprises a path forinformation to flow from IRDs 308 to FTM 300, e.g., voltage and tonesignals for selection of ports on the multiswitch. These paths, namelypath 1002 from FTM 300 to IRD 308, and path 1004 from IRD 308 to FTM300, are shown. The power injector 302 uses a 24 V signal 1006, which isused to supply power to the circuits in the power injector 302.

Path 1004 shows a voltage detection circuit at the IRD input 1000, whichneeds to be capable of detecting signals with a frequency of 22 kHz upto 88 kHz, which are the signals used to select ports at themultiswitch.

Path 1002 shows a current detection circuit at the FTM output 310, whichneeds to be capable of detecting signals with a frequency up to 88 KHz*4and a detection circuit that can detect a delta current of 45 mA orhigher.

Paths 1002 and 1004 are isolated, since if they are not isolated fromeach other, there is a substantial risk of oscillation. To obtain thisisolation there is a blocking mechanism in both directions. If theDiSEqC signal travels from IRD 308 to FTM 300, or vice versa, then oneof the paths 1002 or 1004 is disabled by switches 1008, 1010, 1012, and1014. As the present invention uses a half duplex system, there are noproblems with disabling one direction while the other direction isactive. The path 1002 or 1004, whichever is first active, disables theother path.

The power injector 302 performs additional functions in the FTM 300schema of the present invention. The power injector 302 also translatesvoltages so that each control path 1002 and 1004 operates withoutcollisions.

Since the power injector 302 also has access to the power lines within ahouse, the power injector can also send signals along the house'sinternal power lines to IRDs 308.

Smart Splitter

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate signal splitters in accordance with thepresent invention.

A block diagram of two-way splitter 304 is shown, with the RF signalinput 1100 and two RF signal outputs 1102 and 1104. The RF signal input1100 is upstream of the RF signal outputs 1102 and 1104 for thesatellite downlink signals 120; in other words, RF signal input isconnected closer to the FTM 300 than the RF signal outputs 1102 and 1104for a given two-way splitter 304. RF signal input 1100 may be coupleddirectly to FTM 300, but RF signal input 1100 may also be connected toanother two-way splitter 304 or four-way splitter 306, in which case RFsignal input 1100 would be coupled to an RF output 1104.

The RF signal outputs 1102 and 1104 are also “reverse” inputs forcommands that travel from the IRD 308 to the FTM 300. As such, thetwo-way splitter 304 acts as a priority switch. When both RF signaloutputs 1102 and 1104 have a DC voltage below 15 volts, the highestvoltage present on the RF signal outputs 1102 and 1104 is transferredthrough switch 1106 to RF signal input 1100. This allows power for othertwo-way splitters 304 or four-way splitters 306 that are coupledupstream (closer to the FTM 300) to be transferred for power needs ofother splitters 304 or 306.

Microcontroller 1108 polls RF signal outputs 1102 and 1104 for voltageand tone signals. This is typically done by looking for a voltage atjunctions 1110 and 1112, but can be performed in other ways withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. When themicroprocessor 1108 detects a voltage above a certain threshold, thenthe microprocessor closes one of switches 1114 or 1116. The threshold istypically 16 volts, but can be a different voltage without departingfrom the scope of the present invention. For example, if microprocessor1108 detects a voltage of 18 volts at junction 1110, then microprocessor1108 closes switch 1114. Substantially at the same time, microprocessor1108 opens switch 1106 to avoid the signal from charging capacitor 1118.

If the microprocessor 1108 sees that the other RF signal output 1104 (asan example) also goes above a certain threshold, the microprocessorcloses switch 1120 to inform the IRD 308 that is requesting FTM 300attention that FTM 300 is busy. Once microprocessor 1108 sees that thevoltage at junction 1110 has dropped below the threshold voltage, themicroprocessor 1108 will open switch 1114, close switch 1116, and openswitch 1120 to allow the IRD 308 coupled to RF signal output 1104 tocommunicate with FTM 300.

FIG. 12 illustrates a four-way splitter 306 of the present invention,which operates similarly to the two-way splitter 304 described withrespect to FIG. 11, but has additional RF signal outputs 1200 and 1202attached.

Maintenance

The FTM 300 allows for registration of the configuration of the house asinstalled by the installer, including the signal losses/agc and time oftransmission numbers, ODU 108/IRD 308 /FTM 300 registration serialnumbers, etc., which are all registered at the time of installation. Ifthe phone line remains installed and connected to the IRD 308 and/or FTM300, the FTM 300 can verify the serial numbers, agc and signal lossnumbers, etc. and transmit these numbers to the service provider for usein troubleshooting and/or maintenance of the installed system. If thereis a problem, or the installation configuration changes, the FTM 300 candetect this and attempt repairs and/or record new data for analysis.Such data may also be useful for fraud detection.

Configuration Discovery

This allows the system to discover whether or not an FTM 300 isinstalled in the system, as well as ensuring proper connection of themultiswitch and other system components.

IRD 308, during initial setup, must determine if there is an FTM 300installed in the system; otherwise, IRD 308 will not have a privatechannel and will be required to act as a legacy IRD 112. A command issent that FTM 300 will understand (88 kHz, 1/0 format) that will not beunderstood by a non-FTM 300 system. IRD 308 then waits for a specificamount of time, and either tries again (or x number of times) orperforms a timeout routine. If a proper response is received, then IRD308 knows there is an FTM 300 installed, and communication between IRD(with optional serial # encoding) and FTM (with optional serial #encoding) is established. Otherwise, no FTM 300 is present, and IRD 308acts as a Legacy IRD 112.

Other discovery issues include ensuring that the ODU 108 was set upproperly, by sending 13/18 VDC and 22 kHz tones to make sure each portof the multiswitch is properly connected.

Security and Fraud Prevention

With the present invention, associations are created between ODU 108,FTM 300, and IRDs 308 such that each FTM 300 knows which IRDs 308 shouldbe receiving signals. The data used to create these associations arecreated during initial installation, or upgrades to the installationthat are performed by customers or installation personnel. Currently,there are minimal checks to see if an IRD 308 is a valid IRD 308 for agiven account after the initial registration process.

The present invention allows for additional checking to ensure that agiven IRD 308 is receiving signals from the proper FTM 300/ODU 108pairing. For example, and not by way of limitation, a customer canpurchase an IRD 308 and call the service provider for authorization toinstall the IRD 308. Once installed, the IRD 308 must register through aspecific FTM 300. The association between that IRD 308 and that FTM 300prevents the IRD 308 from being moved to a new FTM 300 at anotherlocation, because the authorization codes for the second FTM 300 do notauthorize that FTM 300 to pass signals through to the moved IRD 308.

Further, agc changes (changes in signal strength between FTM 300 and IRD308) may alert the provider that a change in the in-home wiring hasoccurred. Some changes may be authorized, e.g., a subscriber has beenauthorized to install another IRD 308, or has moved an IRD 308 from oneroom to another. However, large deltas in agc can signal a possiblefraudulent use situation. For example, and not by way of limitation, twoneighbors can agree to use a single ODU 108 to feed one IRD 308 locatedin one house and another IRD 308 located in the neighbor's household.The cabling run to the house without the ODU 108 will be much longerthan the cable run into the first household, and thus, the agc levelrequired to drive the IRD 308 in the house without the ODU 108 will bemuch higher than the agc level to drive the first IRD 308. Suchinstallations, even if authorized, can be a signal of possiblefraudulent use. Time of travel over the cable wire, as well as signalloss (which agc overcomes), and other methods can also be used duringregistration and/or modification of the system to determine possiblefraudulent activity.

Further, the FTM 300 architecture now only requires that one IRD 308 hasaccess to a telephone line, rather then each IRD 308. The phone linecommunications and authorizations can be sent from one IRD 308 to theservice provide because the FTM 300 can communicate with all IRDs 308,and such data can be sent from the FTM 300 through any IRD 308 that hastelephone connections. If there are no IRDs 308 connected to a phoneline, the FTM 300 can stop delivery of signals to the IRDs 308 untilthere is a phone connection, which can be determined by the phonesignaling voltages present on phone lines. The phone connection can bealso checked on a periodic (random) basis, or can be verified via othermethods, such as call in registration for services via IRD 308, etc.

Alternative Embodiments and Features

The 13/18 VDC and 22/88 kHz protocol described herein is only oneprotocol that can be used within the scope of the present invention.Other protocols, e.g., ethernet, or other custom designed protocols, canbe used without departing from the scope of the present invention. The88 kHz signal (DiSeqC 1.0 uses 22 kHz) is just one example of acustomized signal; other protocols, other bit patterns, other commandscan be used instead.

Phone lines can also be used for communication between IRDs/FTM orIRD-IRD directly.

Although described with respect to IRD 308, any IRD 308 isinterchangeable with PVR 504 in terms of commands and RF signaldelivery.

Conclusion

This concludes the description of the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention. The foregoing description of the preferred embodimentof the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations are possible in light of the above teaching.

A system in accordance with the present invention comprises amultiswitch where each input of the multiswitch receives a satellitesignal, a plurality of tuners, each tuner coupled to a frequencytranslation module output of the multiswitch, wherein each tuner acceptsthe satellite signal and tunes to a specific frequency band of thesatellite signal to deliver a selected transponder signal, each tunerreceiving commands based on tuner commands from at least one IntegratedReceiver Decoder (IRD), a plurality of demodulators, coupled to theplurality of tuners in a respective fashion, for demodulating theselected transponder signal into a plurality of demodulated signals,each demodulated signal comprising a plurality of packets, and aninterface for delivering the demodulated signals to the at least oneIRD, wherein at least the demodulated signals and the tuner commands arecarried on a single connection between the at least one IRD and theinterface.

Other parts of the system include a plurality of mappers, coupled to theplurality of demodulators in a respective fashion, each for mapping thepackets into a remapped signal, and wherein the interface is a combinerfor combining the remapped signals into a combined signal for deliveryto the at least one IRD, the multiswitch further comprising at least onelegacy output, each legacy output being respectively selectivelycontrolled by a legacy IRD, the interface being a network interface, asmart splitter, coupled between the at least one IRD and the interface,and the smart splitter comprising a microprocessor for controlling theflow of commands from the at least one IRD and the interface.

The system may also include a four-way smart splitter, or a dedicatedtuner that is controlled by a service provider.

The combined signal can also comprise at least one private channel, eachprivate channel being dedicated between a corresponding IRD and theinterface, such that each IRD sends commands to the interface to controlcontent of the private channel corresponding to that IRD.

It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by thisdetailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto and theequivalents thereof. The above specification, examples and data providea complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition ofthe invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, theinvention resides in the claims hereinafter appended and the equivalentsthereof.

1. A system for distributing signals, comprising: a multiswitch, eachinput of the multiswitch receiving a satellite signal; a plurality oftuners, each tuner coupled to a frequency translation module output ofthe multiswitch, wherein each tuner accepts the satellite signal andtunes to a specific frequency band of the satellite signal to deliver aselected transponder signal, each tuner receiving commands based ontuner commands from at least one bidirectional Integrated ReceiverDecoder (IRD); a plurality of demodulators, coupled to the plurality oftuners in a respective fashion, for demodulating the selectedtransponder signal into a plurality of demodulated signals, eachdemodulated signal comprising a plurality of packets; an interface fordelivering the demodulated signals to the at least one bidirectionalIRD, wherein at least the demodulated signals and the tuner commands arecarried on a single connection output between the at least onebidirectional IRD and the interface; and a legacy output, coupled to themultiswitch separately from the interface and receiving a satellitesignal directly from an output of the multiswitch, wherein the at leastone legacy output is dedicated to a legacy IRD signal format and isincompatible with the single connection output.
 2. The system of claim1, further comprising a plurality of mappers, coupled to the pluralityof demodulators in a respective fashion, each for mapping the packetsinto a remapped signal, and wherein the interface is a combiner forcombining the remapped signals into a combined signal for delivery tothe at least one IRD.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the interface isa network interface.
 4. The system of claim 1, further comprising asmart splitter, coupled between the at least one bidirectional IRD andthe interface.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the smart splittercomprises a microprocessor for controlling the flow of commands from theat least one bidirectional IRD and the interface.
 6. The system of claim4, wherein the smart splitter is a four-way smart splitter.
 7. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising a dedicated tuner that iscontrolled by a service provider.
 8. The system of claim 2, wherein thecombined signal comprises at least one private channel, each privatechannel being dedicated between a corresponding bidirectional IRD andthe interface, such that each bidirectional IRD sends commands to theinterface to control content of the private channel corresponding tothat bidirectional IRD.
 9. A system for distributing signals,comprising: a multiswitch, wherein a plurality of inputs of themultiswitch each receive a satellite signal, the multiswitch furthercomprising at least one legacy output which receives a satellite signaldirectly from an output of the multiswitch and a plurality of otheroutputs; a plurality of tuners, each tuner respectively coupled to another output of the multiswitch, wherein each tuner tunes to a specificfrequency band of the satellite signal based on commands received by thetuner from at least one bidirectional Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD);a plurality of demodulators, coupled to the plurality of tuners in arespective fashion, for demodulating the specific frequency band into aplurality of demodulated signals; a plurality of demultiplexers, coupledto the plurality of demodulators in a respective fashion, fordemultiplexing the plurality of demodulated signals into a plurality ofpackets; and an interface for delivering at least some of the packets tothe at least one bidirectional IRD, wherein at least the packets and thecommands are carried on a single connection between the at least onebidirectional IRD and the interface, and wherein the at least one legacyoutput is dedicated to a legacy IRD signal format and the at least onelegacy output is incompatible with the plurality of other outputs. 10.The system of claim 9, wherein the interface is a network interface. 11.The system of claim 10, each legacy output is respectively selectivelycontrolled by a legacy IRD.
 12. The system of claim 11, furthercomprising a network tuner, coupled to the multiswitch, wherein thenetwork tuner receives commands from a service provider to tune thenetwork tuner.
 13. The system of claim 12, further comprising acontroller, coupled to the network interface, for controlling signalflow between the network interface and the at least one bidirectionalIRD.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the network interface provideseach bidirectional IRD with a private channel, each private channelbeing dedicated between a corresponding bidirectional IRD and theinterface, such that each bidirectional IRD sends commands to theinterface to control content of the private channel corresponding tothat bidirectional IRD.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein thecontroller monitors at least an identification (ID) of each of the atleast one bidirectional IRDs coupled to the network interface.
 16. Thesystem of claim 15, wherein the controller further monitors at least asignal strength between the network interface and the at least onebidirectional IRD.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the controllerrefuses commands sent from the at least one bidirectional IRD that doesnot have an ID recognized by the controller.
 18. The system of claim 14,wherein the refuses commands sent from the at least one bidirectionalIRD that does not have a signal strength within a predetermined limit.19. The system of claim 17, wherein the controller determines whether ornot the at least one bidirectional IRD is a legacy IRD, and acceptscommands from the at least one bidirectional IRD based on thedetermination.